Bibliographic Information: Grogan, J. (2005). Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog. Harper Collins, New York, NY. ISBN: 0060817089
Plot Summary: This autobiography centers around Marley, a yellow Labrador Retriever, who is darling, but is basically the dog from hell. John Grogan narrates the story of Marley and his family over a period of thirteen years. As a pup, Marley is destructive and totally out-of-control. Yet the Grogan family loves Marley despite his horrible behavior and they learn to love him more and more.
Critical Evaluation: Marley and Me is one of my all time favorite books. It is very "clean" funny, and I feel we could all use more humor. Having lived with "horrible" (in my case, unwanted dogs) my entire life, I completely related to this book. I can relate to coming home to a house in shambles, yelling, screaming, but looking at "the beast" with nothing but love. The movie did not do justice to the book. Grogan's colorful and humorous writing cannot be captured on film.
Annotation: Marley, the dog from hell, turns the Grogan family life upside down.
About the Author: On John Grogan's website he says "I got into writing by default because I was so bad at everything else." This statement is typical of John: very funny, off-the-wall, honest and humbling. After the success of Marley and Me which became a major film starring Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson, he has written children's books starring Marley. His latest novel is entitled The Longest Trip Home.
Genre: Biography
Curriculum: Storytelling, commitment, love and family.
Talking Points: What's it like living with an uncontrollable dog, never knowing what it's going to be like when you come home? Will the Grogans withstand Marley's tactics and misbehavior?
Reading Level and Interest Age: 13 and up
Challenge Issues: None
Reason for Inclusion: Marley & Me is a heartfelt story based on family, love and commitment, despite all of the obstacles. It conveys the joys and tribulations of pet ownership (like having a child). Despite all of the heartache, the parental love for this puppy (or child) is worth it.
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